The Proposal

Terrence McGarty’s Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal

for Mayo’s Landing Environmental Restoration

Presented to Village of Croton-on-Hudson

Boy Scout Troop 28 Croton On Hudson

February 10, 2015

PROJECT CONCEPT: To repair damage to Mayo’s Landing caused by severe erosion, invasive plants, and litter and to create a safer environment for the Croton residents that use this village owned park.

The focus of this project is environmental conservation. There are many potential dangers, to both the environment and to the visitors of Mayo’s Landing. The environmental balance of the area is threatened by widespread erosion and invasive plant species that are harmful to the indigenous trees. The safety of the area needs improvement, as it is marked by a history of swimming accidents. Furthermore, the entrance to the park is steep, unsteady and dangerous.

SOLUTION / PROPOSAL:

1. Repair erosion and conserve the environment by:

Installing Erosion Log Steps. Log steps or log dams are pieces of wood that are installed in the earth to redirect harmful water run-off.

Below is the steep hill at Mayo’s Landing as it appears today. Note the severe erosion.

Below is the proposed log step design that I built at my house as practice.

2. New Plantings

(suggested:  myrtle, pachysandra) as ground cover to prevent erosion.

A few years ago, tree saplings were planted in an attempt to prevent erosion, but the process was both extremely expensive and ineffective.

3. Remove brush and invasive plants Including Poison Ivy, vines, and weeds. These vines are strangling the existing trees and an eye-sore.

4. Improve the safety of the area

• Logs will help prevent accidents on the steep hill

5. Memorialize Scoutmasters from the past

• A bench will be built using pressure-treated wood
• A plaque will be added, honoring Croton Troop 28 adult leaders from the past such as Mr. Hermann Jaensch, Mr. Frank Ronci, Mr. O’Connor, and Mr. Laureiro

6. Make it a living project

• Propose Troop 28 perform annual maintenance to Mayo’s Landing, similar to what Cub Scout Pack 28 does at Black Rock Park every spring.

Budget:

• Cost will be minimal, most materials will be found on sight
• Plaque for Bench may involve a minor expense
• Fundraising will be considered

Timeline:

• FALL / WINTER 2014 - Develop Formal Proposal

• With assistance from Scoutmasters and Village Officials

• Jan-March 2015 - Work towards project approvals in the following order:

1. approval from the Village
2. Troop 28 Scoutmasters
3. BSA Westchester-Putnam Council

• SPRING 2015- Contact Volunteers to assist
• SUMMER 2015- Execute Plan

• Plan for roughly three weekends to complete project

Organizations/People I have Contacted or will contact:

• Croton Trails Committee - Met with Jan Wines on 3/26/2014 and 10/23 to socialize the concept of the project and to inspect site
• Croton Conservation Advisory Committee - Met with Jan Johnson on 4/2/2014
• Met with Village Manager - Abe Zambrano on 4/10/2014
• Spoke to Police Officer to raise awareness
• Met with Mayor Wiegman to discuss project and inspect site on Oct 23, 2014.

My Qualifications:

• Life Scout Rank since January 2014
• Currently Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in Troop 28
• Junior Member of Croton Trails Committee  since Spring 2014
• Volunteer in Croton Fire Department - registered through BSA Explorer Post 2089
• Completed all Eagle required merit badges as of August 2014
• Successfully completed BSA Westchester-Putnam Council sponsored Trail to Eagle program in 2014

• TTE involved two full camping weekends, one in June, the other in August and an introductory weekend in April

• Avid hiker and camper
• Active member of Troop 28 since 2010 and Cub Scout in Pack 28 since 2005.
• Den Chief to Cub Scout Pack 28 2011 to present with Mrs. Pradines and Mrs. Epprecht’s dens.
• Completed 75-mile Philmont Trek in Cimarron, NM (Included a 3-hour trail building service project) in July 2014, voted Crew Leader
• Assistant Patrol Leader in 2011-2012 scout year, Patrol Leader 2012-13, Troop Guide 2013-14, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader 2014-15
• Completed NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) Program in April 2013
• Completed University of Scouting in Nov 2011
• Elected Order of the Arrow representative of Troop 28 in Jan 2013 - active in Ktemaque OA lodge
• Attended BSA National Jamboree in 2013

Materials and Supplies for Terrence McGartys Eagle Scout Service Project
TYPE	QUANTITY	FOR WHAT PROJECT	MATERIAL TYPE
8 foot 4x4s	3	Bench	Wood
8 foot 2x8s	5	Bench	Wood
8 foot 2x4	2	Bench	Wood
3/8"x5 1/2" galvanized carriage bolts (washers and nuts)	30	Bench	Hardware
3/8"x4" galvanized carriage bolts (washers and nuts	10	Bench	Hardware
4 foot 6x6s	8	Wood Steps	Wood
Rebar or Steel Stakes	16	Wood Steps	Hardware
Decorative Material	1	Plaque	Hardware